PORT ANGELES — Peninsula College’s Olivia Henderson will continue her basketball career just 120 miles down U.S. Highway 101 in Olympia.
The sophomore guard recently signed her letter of intent to play for the Geoducks, an NAIA school that plays in the Cascade Collegiate Conference, comprised of schools in Washington, Idaho and Oregon.
Henderson, originally of Juneau, Alaska, played point guard for the Pirates for two years, and started in that position as a sophomore.
She represents a pipeline of Alaska athletes who have played for coach Alison Crumb at Peninsula, including a number of outstanding players from Juneau-Douglas High School.
As a sophomore in 2013-14, Henderson averaged six points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and just under 31 minutes per game. She will graduate Saturday with her associate of arts degree and a 3.22 grade point average.
The elementary education major served as a peer mentor at Peninsula this year and has helped with numerous events in the community.
She also served as a Pirate Pal to the Olympic Avalanche select youth basketball team during the 2013-2014 season.
“Olivia is one of the rare student-athletes that does not need coaching off the floor,” Crumb said.
“She has never been late to a practice, meeting, or event. She has never complained or showed negativity in the entire two years that she has been here. This is why she is a great point guard, along with her incredible speed and court awareness.”
“She is dependable and her teammates trust her,” Crumb said.
“As a coach, you could not ask for a better person and player to be involved in your program. I do not think she even knows how much this school and program will miss her leadership, her character, and her competitiveness.”
Henderson said she’s looking forward to playing at the next level.
“I’m really looking forward to transferring on and continuing to compete, and I hope to gain more growth as a player and as a person,” Henderson said.
“I hope that my experience there will be just as amazing as playing at PC. I wouldn’t trade coming here for anything.
Coming to PC really helped me grow as a basketball player. I learned my strengths and weaknesses and learned how to be a better leader because that’s what point guards do.
PC also helped me grow as a person. I learned the power of leadership, the importance of communication and teamwork, and how to be a positive role model. I have really appreciated all that my coaches and this school has done for me in these past two years.”
